We started this site as a resource for helping people live better lives; from being better prepared to face the myriad of threats created in large part by our modern way of living to freeing yourself from the grid and taking the plunge back into being free, OFFGRID Survival is really meant to open your eyes and get you thinking differently!
When we started the site, it was pretty challenging to find options for going off the grid; today, your local Costco sells off the grid solar packages and battery backup systems. The great thing about these innovations, is now almost anyone can do it.
Check out these low-cost solar and battery backup solutions that can start freeing you from the grid — or at the very least help you survive during a grid down situation.
Enernova Solar Generator 1000W with 100W Portable Solar Panel
For under $1,000, you can get started with a system that can either power a small cabin, or provide you with the power you need to survive a small-scale grid down situation.
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 PRO 2160Wh Capacity with 2X Solar Panels SolarSaga 200W
We personally use the Jackery System for everything from extended camping trips out in the wilderness, powering our offgrid ham radio communication systems, or as a backup generator for when the shit goes down!
CampingSurvival has a nice power outage kit with items like flashlights and batteries, corded phone, wind-up radio, lightsticks, and even a wind-up alarm clock. There’s even a fire extinguisher, which could be handy when burning candles in a power outage.
John
I was looking at a sunforce the other day, I think I might try it out.
Heard any feedback about the Free Power Blueprint?
Most homes use such a huge amount of electricity that solar or wind energy wouldn’t be feasible. I have family that have lived in their camper all winter each year in a warm state with no generator or hookups. They have solar panels on the roof and use a few dollars of propane each week. They have to haul water in and waste out which wasn’t a big problem. The several PV panels they have provide all the electricity they need. I think a FEMA self-contained camper would be a good option for solar and/or wind energy. Gutters could be used to catch rain water from the roof to fill a water bag and a filtering system could be installed.
The truth of the matter is that most of these wouldn’t power much around the home. Not even your 1000w microwave. You’re better off with a small 5500 watt Honda generator.
The thing to remember with AE is to “begin with the end in mind.” I.e, don’t skimp and buy crap now that later won’t integrate into a larger system. The ultimate goal for all of us should be to run our house off the grid.
Batteries are the proverbial weak link in any off grid system. Our first set of 20 L16’s lasted us 3 years, partially because of someone “helping” us PM them who didn’t know what he was doing. 2nd set of L16’s lasted us 8 years. This is daily constant use.
Panels have come down in price drastically. Panels we paid $625. for in the late 90’s can be found for about half that now. It’s a good time to start getting into solar.
Lowdown3